Dying to self...making room for small "victories" and everyday miracles

from Spirit Daily

Do you realize that God can go backwards in time and reverse the effects of anything we have done wrong, or that was wrongly done to us (if He so wills)? We have mentioned this before -- how the Lord not only can allow us to rectify past mistakes as if they didn't even exist (once we seek His forgiveness and expiate -- purify) but can even revisit certain points in our lives and eliminate the cause of a disease or psychological harm that set in during particular periods.

The Lord is omnipotent. He is also timeless. He can appear at any time in any situation. He speaks to our supernatural existence, which is the root of our dignity. There is not a single miracle that you do not have the potential to tap into. There is never reason not to persevere. We have seen accounts right unto death of how trust and perseverance pay off -- mountains moved, severe problems eradicated. Usually, they are smaller mountains -- bumps in our lives -- that we need help over.

Life on earth is a constant invisible transaction. Our victories often seem like "minor" victories, but they are no less miraculous. The money that came when you needed it? That lonely child of yours who suddenly has a buddy?

"Small" victories, but perhaps not really all that small.

We see such miracles every day and refer to them as answered prayers. It’s the way that the God of miracles coordinates our lives when we are in tune with Him and are selfless. I once received a Christmas card that listed the various ways of "dying to self." It was eye-opening. It described dying to self as:

-- When you are forgotten or neglected and you don't hurt with the insult, but your heart is happy -- that is dying to self

-- When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, and take it all in patient, loving silence -- that is dying to self

-- When you lovingly and patiently bear disorder, irregularity, tardiness, and annoyance... and endure it as Jesus endured it -- that is dying to self

-- When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch for praise after an accomplishment, when you can truly love to be unknown... that is dying to self

-- When you can see your brother or sister prosper and can honestly rejoice with him, and feel no envy even though your needs are greater -- that is dying to self

-- When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, or any society -- that is dying to self

-- When you can take correction, when you can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, with no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart -- that is dying to self.”